Sausage Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry elbow pasta
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
mild, sweet or hot depending on your preference
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 ½ cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 cups freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
do not use pre-grated cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly parsley or chives
chopped for garnish
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage over medium heat in a large pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small pieces. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, transfer to a plate or bowl and set aside.
- 3
Add the butter and olive oil to the same pot over medium heat. Add the onions to the pot and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- 4
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the milk. Stir to combine the mixture, then add the pepper, smoked paprika and dry mustard.
- 5
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes or so. It should be the consistency of a creamy soup. Stir in the cheese until melted. Add salt and more pepper to taste.
- 6
Drain the pasta once cooked and add it along with the cooked sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
- 7
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.
Sausage Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, deeply satisfying meal that’s both familiar and exciting? This sausage mac and cheese elevates a classic with rich, savory flavors perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets this mac and cheese apart is its incredible creaminess and the robust flavor profile from the bulk Italian sausage. The secret to its decadence lies in using freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully into a velvety smooth sauce without any grittiness often found with pre-shredded varieties. Combined with aromatic diced yellow onion and minced garlic, it creates a deeply savory foundation.
What you'll experience is a super creamy, decadently cheesy mac and cheese with tender elbow pasta, enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. The Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth and a pleasant chew, perfectly complementing the smooth cheese. The hint of smoked paprika and ground mustard gives it a subtle warmth that ties all the flavors together, making each bite truly memorable. This is a hearty, comforting dish that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to customize the bulk Italian sausage to your liking—choose mild for a subtle flavor, sweet for a touch of sweetness, or hot for a spicy kick that adds an extra layer of warmth. If you don't have fresh parsley or chives on hand, a sprinkle of dried parsley can work as a visual garnish, though fresh provides the best flavor. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you enjoy a little more heat.
Serve this super creamy sausage mac and cheese alongside your favorite steamed green vegetable or a simple crisp green salad for a balanced and utterly delicious meal.